Word for the Week

Week beginning: 23rd August, 2015

By David McIlroy | London

'The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet," and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.'

Romans 13:9-10 (NIV)

Demonstrating

Love, as Jesus demonstrated, and Paul reminds us here, goes beyond law. Love changes lives and transforms societies in deeper ways than law ever can. But love, as Paul points out in verse 9, sums up and fulfills law, it does not replace it.

God's good commands as set out and summarized in the Ten Commandments remain indispensable to Christian living just as good laws are needed to provide order, to ensure peace, and to deliver a measure of justice in society.

Paul's message presents a number of challenges for us as Christian lawyers:

Are we, in our lifestyle, disobeying any of God's commands?Who are "our neighbours" in the work that we do?Are we demonstrating love in the way we practise law?

Prayer Points:

1. Ask God to reveal the areas in your lifestyle where a change has to take place – and if there is a need to repent – do so.2. Give thanks for the work you are about to embark on this week and ask for the Lord's guidance to help you demonstrate Christ's love in the way you do this.